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ICD-10 Coding for Petechiae(R23.3, D69.3, I61.8)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Petechiae. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Spontaneous EcchymosesNon-blanching Spots

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Petechiae

R23.3Primary Range

Spontaneous ecchymoses, including petechiae

Primary code for isolated petechiae without underlying coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia.

Thrombocytopenia and other hemorrhagic conditions

Used when petechiae are associated with thrombocytopenia or other hemorrhagic conditions.

Cerebral hemorrhage, including petechial hemorrhage

Used for cerebral petechial hemorrhage, particularly in stroke cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R23.3Spontaneous ecchymosesUse for isolated petechiae without underlying conditions.
  • Platelet count >150,000/µL
  • Negative D-dimer
  • No coagulopathy
D69.3Immune thrombocytopenic purpuraUse when petechiae are associated with low platelet count and no known cause.
  • Platelet count <100,000/µL
  • Exclusion of drug-induced causes
I61.8Other intracerebral hemorrhageUse for cerebral petechial hemorrhage confirmed by imaging.
  • CT/MRI showing petechial hemorrhage
  • Neurologic deficits

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for petechiae

Essential facts and insights about Petechiae

The ICD-10 code for petechiae is R23.3, used for isolated cases without underlying conditions.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for petechiae

Spontaneous ecchymoses
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Isolated petechiae with normal platelet count

coding Criteria

  • No underlying systemic condition

Applicable To

  • Petechiae

Excludes

  • Purpura (D69.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Platelet count >150,000/µL
  • Negative D-dimer
  • No coagulopathy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using R23.3 with thrombocytopenia or sepsis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of underlying conditions.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Sepsis, unspecified organism

A41.9
Use when petechiae are part of a systemic infection.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura

D69.3
Use when platelet count <100,000/µL and no known cause.

Thrombocytopenia, unspecified

D69.6
Use only if cause remains unspecified after workup.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Petechiae to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R23.3.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of underlying conditions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include lab results in patient records, Use templates that prompt for lab values

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denial of claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use D69.3 or D69.6 when thrombocytopenia is present.

Impact

Incorrect use of R23.3 when thrombocytopenia is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify platelet counts and use D69.3 or D69.6 as appropriate.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Petechiae, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Petechiae

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Petechiae. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Petechiae in a febrile child

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Fever documentation
  • Petechiae distribution
  • Platelet count

Example Documentation

6-year-old with fever and non-blanching petechiae on legs. Platelet count 180,000/µL. No signs of trauma.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has petechiae.
Good Documentation Example
Numerous non-blanching petechiae (1-2 mm) on lower extremities, platelet count 18,000/µL, no recent trauma.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on size, location, and platelet count, aiding accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Petechiae? Ask your questions below.

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